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What Florida's property tax overhaul could cost local governments

The state House has added three property tax amendments to its calendar for floor votes.

News

Tampa Bay governments stand to lose hundreds of millions in tax collections if property tax changes advancing in the Legislature become law, according to a <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="report" data-vars-click-url="https://www.floridapolicy.org/posts/bill-summary-hjr-201-203-205-207-209-211-and-213?mc_cid=c9718583ff&amp;mc_eid=81b69123db" data-vars-content-id="575fd09a-059e-4ac7-ae22-d5afea179106" data-vars-headline="What Florida&#x27;s property tax overhaul could cost local governments" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.floridapolicy.org/posts/bill-summary-hjr-201-203-205-207-209-211-and-213?mc_cid=c9718583ff&amp;mc_eid=81b69123db" target="_blank">report</a> by the Florida Policy Institute (FPI).Why it matters: The House has added <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="three of those amendments" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/tampa-bay/2026/02/11/where-property-tax-cuts-other-bills-stand-in-the-florida-legislature" data-vars-content-id="575fd09a-059e-4ac7-ae22-d5afea179106" data-vars-headline="What Florida&#x27;s property tax overhaul could cost local governments" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/tampa-bay/2026/02/11/where-property-tax-cuts-other-bills-stand-in-the-florida-legislature" target="_self">three of those amendments</a> to its calendar for floor votes, with HJR 203 up first, on Thursday.

Florida senator's proposal could hinder Manatee cruise port

The proposal would restrict dredging in the Terra Ceia Aquatic Preserve.

A Florida lawmaker filed legislation to bolster environmental protections of the waters around the site of a <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="proposed cruise port" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/tampa-bay/2026/01/28/skyway-cruise-port-rattlesnake-key-manatee-county" data-vars-content-id="d0c025ad-33a6-4f97-b27c-8fceff608b91" data-vars-headline="Florida senator&#x27;s proposal could hinder Manatee cruise port" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/tampa-bay/2026/01/28/skyway-cruise-port-rattlesnake-key-manatee-county" target="_self">proposed cruise port</a> in Manatee County.Why it matters: The <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="proposal" data-vars-click-url="https://www.flsenate.gov/Session/Bill/2026/302/Amendment/117522/PDF" data-vars-content-id="d0c025ad-33a6-4f97-b27c-8fceff608b91" data-vars-headline="Florida senator&#x27;s proposal could hinder Manatee cruise port" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.flsenate.gov/Session/Bill/2026/302/Amendment/117522/PDF" target="_blank">proposal</a>, filed Wednesday afternoon by Bradenton Sen. Jim Boyd, could derail plans for the contentious port project, which is planned for a tract of land near the Terra Ceia Aquatic Preserve.

Florida homebuyers are scoring deals — but prices remain high

Still-high mortgage rates and home prices have sidelined many shoppers. But those who remain in the market are scoring the biggest deals in years.

The average discount for Tampa metro area <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="homes" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2026/01/19/affordable-homes-metro-income" data-vars-content-id="3cc27a5a-d5e1-492e-af79-93885e72426a" data-vars-headline="Florida homebuyers are scoring deals — but prices remain high" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2026/01/19/affordable-homes-metro-income" target="_self">homes</a> that sold below their original asking price last year was nearly 10%.<ul><li>That&#x27;s one of the largest discounts among major U.S. cities analyzed in a recent Redfin <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="report" data-vars-click-url="https://www.redfin.com/news/homebuyer-discounts-below-list-price-2025/" data-vars-content-id="3cc27a5a-d5e1-492e-af79-93885e72426a" data-vars-headline="Florida homebuyers are scoring deals — but prices remain high" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.redfin.com/news/homebuyer-discounts-below-list-price-2025/" target="_blank">report</a>.</li></ul>

St. Pete, Clearwater Duke fight looms over Florida elections

A new report flags Florida as a 2026 energy battleground.

Energy affordability will likely be a top issue among Florida voters in this year&#x27;s midterm elections, according to a <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="new report" data-vars-click-url="https://echocomms.com/the-10-energy-affordability-battlegrounds/" data-vars-content-id="f5d04439-6e8a-4ae5-b488-772dcb5cced2" data-vars-headline="St. Pete, Clearwater Duke fight looms over Florida elections" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://echocomms.com/the-10-energy-affordability-battlegrounds/" target="_blank">new report</a>. Why it matters: Nowhere is that more apparent than in Tampa Bay, where two cities are considering <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="dropping their contracts with corporate utility Duke Energy" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/tampa-bay/2025/09/25/clearwater-utility-study-duke-energy" data-vars-content-id="f5d04439-6e8a-4ae5-b488-772dcb5cced2" data-vars-headline="St. Pete, Clearwater Duke fight looms over Florida elections" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/tampa-bay/2025/09/25/clearwater-utility-study-duke-energy" target="_self">dropping their contracts with corporate utility Duke Energy</a> over mounting frustration with <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="sky-high power bills" data-vars-click-url="https://www.tampabay.com/news/2025/11/13/duke-energy-tampa-electric-florida-energy-bill-increase-why/" data-vars-content-id="f5d04439-6e8a-4ae5-b488-772dcb5cced2" data-vars-headline="St. Pete, Clearwater Duke fight looms over Florida elections" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.tampabay.com/news/2025/11/13/duke-energy-tampa-electric-florida-energy-bill-increase-why/" target="_blank">sky-high power bills</a>.

Delta's THC-infused seltzers offer a new way to vibe for any occasion

Delta Beverages is the no. 1 producer of THC-infused seltzers by volume in the U.S. — and Florida is Delta's largest market.

Partners

Delta&#x27;s THC-infused seltzers are delivering the vibe in Tampa without the alcohol and offering a zero-calorie way to raise a glass this season.Why it&#x27;s important: The U.S. drinking rate hit a new low this year, and more Americans than ever think moderate drinking is bad for their health.<ul><li>With a social season ahead, the party won&#x27;t wait — but THC-infused seltzers are letting people enjoy the social rituals they love without sacrificing the vibe (or their macros).</li></ul>

New Belk concept to open in Wesley Chapel

A new take on an old department store is coming to Tampa Bay.

A new take on an old department store is coming to Tampa Bay.Why it matters: The grand opening of the new Belk Market in Wesley Chapel gives local shoppers another option for apparel and home goods.

Shop local at these Tampa Bay holiday markets

They're the antithesis of the headache-inducing scroll that is online shopping.

Things to Do

This gift-shopping season, here&#x27;s a pro tip: Visit a holiday market. Why it matters: Markets offer a chance to shop local, find unique gifts, and revel in the holiday spirit with neighbors.<ul><li>They&#x27;re the antithesis of the headache-inducing scroll that is online shopping. </li></ul>

A new era of growth for East Tampa

Fifth Third Bank's Neighborhood Program has catalyzed $28 million in investment in East Tampa since 2021.

Fifth Third Bank&#x27;s Neighborhood Program has brought more than $28 million of financial impact to East Tampa since 2021 — supporting small businesses, homeowners and neighborhood revitalization.Why it&#x27;s important: East Tampa&#x27;s history includes decades of disinvestment and discriminatory planning, leaving persistent gaps in housing access, business growth and income mobility.

It's hard to be a Millennial homebuyer in Tampa

Prices, rates and a housing shortage are keeping many young shoppers out of the market.

Business

Millennials made up about 42% of mortgage purchase inquiries in the Tampa metro area last year, among the generation&#x27;s lowest shares nationwide.<ul><li>That&#x27;s down from about 46% in 2023, per a LendingTree analysis.</li></ul>Why it matters: High <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="housing" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2025/10/09/housing-population-growth" data-vars-content-id="59127c63-c798-4400-821d-02d75df8d175" data-vars-headline="It&#x27;s hard to be a Millennial homebuyer in Tampa" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2025/10/09/housing-population-growth" target="_self">housing</a> prices, near-6% mortgage rates and a shortage of affordable homes are keeping many <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="shoppers" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2025/10/20/fixer-upper-home-sale" data-vars-content-id="59127c63-c798-4400-821d-02d75df8d175" data-vars-headline="It&#x27;s hard to be a Millennial homebuyer in Tampa" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2025/10/20/fixer-upper-home-sale" target="_self">shoppers</a>, especially younger people, out of the market.

These Florida laws go into effect Oct. 1

Among them are AI guardrails and flood risk disclosure requirements for landlords.

When the calendar flips to October, dozens of new laws will take effect.Why it matters: Among them are guardrails for AI, a requirement that landlords disclose flood risks to prospective tenants, and changes to how the criminal justice system treats people with mental illnesses.

Scoop: Blind Tiger takes over Seminole Heights bar

This marks the café's return to the Tampa neighborhood.

The Blind Tiger — crowned by our readers as the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="region&#x27;s best coffee" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/tampa-bay/2024/04/15/vote-best-coffee-shop-bracket" data-vars-content-id="d64c4ca8-ae32-4588-84ee-2d690fc6f3a9" data-vars-headline="Scoop: Blind Tiger takes over Seminole Heights bar" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/tampa-bay/2024/04/15/vote-best-coffee-shop-bracket" target="_self">region&#x27;s best coffee</a> — has acquired Circa 1949, the Seminole Heights beer garden.Why it matters: This marks the café&#x27;s return to the Tampa neighborhood, after a six-year run that ended in 2022.

What Cycle Brewing's closure says about the craft beer industry

"It's not enough anymore to make good beer."

Once upon a time, <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="busloads" data-vars-click-url="https://www.facebook.com/TheBrewBusTampaBay/posts/pfbid0RWHeNv5nsfQDrMB41DKGkuDyJUcVm88TEP8vFiAkucBsCrn5azAkWfqdoWtEQjYul" data-vars-content-id="bb3619bc-5446-421c-8745-f3184e22de95" data-vars-headline="What Cycle Brewing&#x27;s closure says about the craft beer industry" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.facebook.com/TheBrewBusTampaBay/posts/pfbid0RWHeNv5nsfQDrMB41DKGkuDyJUcVm88TEP8vFiAkucBsCrn5azAkWfqdoWtEQjYul" target="_blank">busloads</a> of beer lovers descended on <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Cycle Brewing" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/tampa-bay/2025/05/06/cycle-brewing-st-petersburg-taproom-closing" data-vars-content-id="bb3619bc-5446-421c-8745-f3184e22de95" data-vars-headline="What Cycle Brewing&#x27;s closure says about the craft beer industry" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/tampa-bay/2025/05/06/cycle-brewing-st-petersburg-taproom-closing" target="_self">Cycle Brewing</a>&#x27;s annual Barrel-Aged Day to taste brewmaster Doug Dozark&#x27;s latest creation.<ul><li>It was the pre-pandemic heyday of craft beer, when new breweries were popping up everywhere and enthusiasts collected limited releases like trading cards.</li></ul>

MOSI land could become site for new indoor sports arena

The sports arena could boost the museum's attendance and support new hotels, restaurants and retail in the area.

The Hillsborough Board of County Commissioners wants to build an indoor sports arena on land surrounding the Museum of Science and Industry (MOSI) on East Fowler Avenue.Why it matters: The sports arena could attract &quot;high-value, mixed-use development,&quot; according to county staff, as well as boost the museum&#x27;s attendance and support new hotels, restaurants and retail in the area.

Cycle Brewing to close downtown St. Petersburg taproom

Green Turtle, a British-style brewery, will open in Cycle's space next month

After 12 years, Cycle Brewing will close its downtown St. Petersburg taproom this month, the founder announced over the weekend.Why it matters: Cycle is the oldest brewery in a city now defined by its selection of craft beer, and its Central Avenue taproom has been a constant in an ever-changing downtown.

Latest news on Wall Street, Corporate America and financial regulation.

Business 🏦

Delta's THC-infused seltzers offer a new way to vibe for any occasion

New Belk concept to open in Wesley Chapel

Shop local at these Tampa Bay holiday markets

A new era of growth for East Tampa

It's hard to be a Millennial homebuyer in Tampa